Nerite Snails
Best algae eaters — cover glass, decor, and leaves. Can't reproduce in freshwater, so no overpopulation risk.
Egg-laying habit: lay hard white eggs on surfaces that don't hatch but look like specks.
Ramshorn Snails
Eat soft algae and dead plant matter. Breed in freshwater — population self-regulates with food availability.
Red and blue varieties add visual interest. Won't harm healthy plants.
Malaysian Trumpet (MTS)
Burrowing snails that aerate substrate, preventing anaerobic pockets. Come out at night.
Livebearing — population can explode in overfed tanks. Control by feeding less.
Bladder Snails
Hitchhiker snails that come with plants. Eat soft algae and biofilm. Harmless but prolific.
Control by manual removal and overfeeding less — they won't eat healthy plants.